I am 6 months into riding again following a few years of occasional riding as I healed from riding injuries. My horse is a well-trained, sensitive FEI Lusitano that had time off last year for injury. He's made amazing progress thanks to regular training with my instructor. To improve my position and stability in the saddle, I feel I would benefit from slowing the horse and reducing the impulsion so I can balance better. I'd like to work on my position for sitting trot, which used to be an area of strength but no more. My instructor is against "using" my nice horse to improve my seat. He wants to continue to develop impulsion and the quality of the gaits which are doing very well. I'm feeling left behind and that I will soon have a horse that is too bouncy for me to ride (I'm older and getting/staying fit is a challenge.) My trainer says I am too impatient and must choose between the horse's development and my development. He says I can do both but it will take a very long time. I am losing confidence in myself and thinking about quitting because of my age (over 70). I don't have many years to regain what I lost due to injury rehabilitation. I know most readers are much younger and may not relate to this dilemma. I'd love to hear your thoughts though. Should I just stick with rising trot with impulsion as my instructor insists? And hope that this will help my sitting trot eventually?

Dressage Rider Question

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IevaA

PS Squad

Dear, @JanetH ! First, as other girls said, have a heart to heart talk with Your coach. If she wants You to become “the best possible rider” she should have an improvement step by step program to you according to Your phisical abilities. I am an FEI coach as well and all of us are trained to work with our students to reach their goals. Do not hesitate to ask! Drilling is not always the right way to success. Yes, You will need stamina and flexibility to sit bumpy trot, but the first goal is - to feel good riding Your horse. If Your goal is to compete - find some competitions where rising trot is allowed to feel comfortable. Do not overdo. Just have fun. Wishing all the best to You and Your horse❤️

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24/06/24-10:23

Kate S.

PS Squad

@JanetH I'm glad you will have a heart to heart with your trainer! You shouldn't give up or walk away, it sounds like you've spent a lot of years working to get this time with you horse and yourself. Enjoy it!! 🤗💚 You deserve it!

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23/06/24-18:34

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